Verizon Wireless has announced that it will be launching its high-speed LTE network in 27 new markets on Thursday, April 19, while expanding in 44 existing markets. When this launch phase is completed, Verizon’s LTE network will cover over two-thirds of the U.S. population. By the end of the year, Verizon’s LTE network will be available in more than 400 markets, covering over 260 million people in the United States.

Verizon currently offers over 20 different LTE devices, and that could possibly include the iPhone later this year based on rumors that have surfaced over the past few months. Despite expanding itself, AT&T still lags far behind in terms of LTE coverage, while Sprint plans to create its own LTE network later this year.